Influencing Stakeholders: Start at the Bottom

The video challenges the traditional focus on engaging top-level stakeholders and suggests a balanced approach that includes engaging with junior staff. It presents four smart reasons for this strategy: leveraging trusted advisors, building future relationships, gaining honest insights, and adapting to less hierarchical organizations. The video emphasizes the importance of engaging at all levels to drive change and influence effectively.

What is the main argument presented in the video regarding stakeholder engagement?

• Balance engagement across all levels of the organization.

• Engage only with junior stakeholders.

• Focus solely on senior stakeholders.

• Ignore stakeholder engagement altogether.

Why is it beneficial to engage with people at the lower end of the organization?

• They are easier to manipulate.

• They often have the trust of senior stakeholders.

• They are less knowledgeable.

• They have more time to listen.

How can building relationships with junior stakeholders benefit your future career?

• They have no impact on your career.

• They can provide immediate promotions.

• They can become future senior stakeholders.

• They will always remain junior.

What is a key characteristic of junior people compared to senior people?

• They are less willing to share opinions.

• They are more secretive.

• They are more open and less guarded.

• They have more experience.

How is the organizational hierarchy changing according to the video?

• Becoming more rigid.

• Remaining the same.

• Becoming more hierarchical.

• Becoming less hierarchical.

What is the overall message regarding career progression and stakeholder engagement?

• Only engage with senior stakeholders.

• Focus only on your current level.

• Ignore junior stakeholders.

• Engage with people throughout the organization.

What is the potential of individuals at the start of their careers?

• They have the capability to rise.

• They are not important.

• They will remain at the bottom.

• They will never influence senior stakeholders.